The Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD) is proud to share findings from a recent assessment exploring the lived realities of persons with disabilities in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement.
This report highlights a critical reality: while humanitarian services exist across sectors such as health, WASH, food assistance, education, protection, and livelihoods, access for persons with disabilities remains deeply unequal.
Through direct engagement with women, men, and youth with disabilities, as well as service providers and community leaders, the study reveals that barriers are not isolated. They are interconnected and reinforcing. Long distances, inaccessible terrain, and disability-unfriendly infrastructure limit mobility. Economic constraints such as transport costs and medical expenses make “free” services unaffordable. Institutional challenges including long queues, limited staffing, and weak referral systems further exclude those most in need. Communication gaps and stigma continue to undermine dignity and participation.
Yet, the report also points to hope and practical solutions.
Community structures, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Village Health Teams, and committed frontline staff are already making a difference. Assistive devices, outreach services, and inclusive practices demonstrate that meaningful change is possible, even in resource-constrained settings.
What is clear is this: disability inclusion cannot remain optional or dependent on individual goodwill. It must be embedded as a standard across all humanitarian programming.
This report provides actionable recommendations for immediate and long-term change, calling on humanitarian actors, government stakeholders, and partners to strengthen accessibility, accountability, and inclusive service delivery systems.
We invite partners, practitioners, and advocates to engage with these findings and join us in advancing inclusive, dignified, and equitable humanitarian responses.
Report by: Association of Refugees with Disability ARD.
association of refugees with disability
